International Round-up: World Cup Warm-up

A host of Brighton & Hove Albion players have been in action for their respective nations over the past week, and here’s a look at how they fared ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Despite not heading to the prestigious tournament later this month, due to Netherlands not qualifying, Davy Propper played 75 minutes in his team’s 1-1 draw against Slovakia on Thursday.

Propper could feature for his country again this evening, when Ronald Koeman’s side come up against Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, kick-off 7.45pm.

Australia number one Mathew Ryan kept a clean sheet for the Socceroos in their impressive 4-0 victory over Czech Republic at the NV Arena in Austria on Friday.

The 26-year-old will be in action again next Saturday, when Bert van Marwijk’s team travel to Budapest to play Hungary - kick-off 4.30pm - in their final game before heading to the World Cup.

Jose Izquierdo came off the bench at half-time for Colombia on Friday, and the Albion winger impressed for his country against Egypt, as the teams shared a 0-0 draw in Italy.

The 25-year-old replaced former Chelsea man Juan Caudrado, and Izquierdo will now wait to see if he’s been included in the final 23-man squad which travels to Russia, with the announcement due today.

Summer signing Leon Balogun played the opening half for Nigeria in their 2-1 defeat to England at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with Alex Iwobi replying for the visitors.

Balogun has been confirmed in the Super Eagles squad that travels to Russia later this month, and will feature in one final friendly before the tournament begins - against Czech Republic in Vienna on Wednesday, kick-off 2pm.

Shane Duffy featured for Republic of Ireland over the weekend, as Martin O’Neill’s team scored late on to win 2-1 against USA at the Aviva Stadium.

Duffy played 77 minutes alongside John O’Shea in Dublin, in what was the 118th and final international appearance for the former Manchester United defender.

Finally, Beram Kayal and Tomer Hemed could both earn another cap for Israel on Saturday evening when they welcome Argentina to the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem, kick-off 7.30pm.